SHARON FROST: Writing is what I had really wanted to do

Writing this monthly column has brought me great joy. I am sad that my year's stint of being a community columnist is over. You see I have a confession - this is what I wanted to do with my life, not being an accountant.

When I was in high school, I wanted to major in journalism in college. Our high school didn't really have a school paper; instead the local paper dedicated a few pages to our school journalism class. I looked forward to that class each day. During my senior year I had a featured article. Working on that article, and having it published, is one of my favorite memories of that year.

A father's advice

So how did I end up a CPA? My father, the ever practical engineer, came home one day with employment and salary data for journalists. He stressed to me that these "paltry" salaries were the top salaries in that field. Of course, he told me, I had to be happy with my career choice. He then reminded me that I had expressed the desire to live a certain lifestyle. Would these numbers support such a lifestyle?

At that time, my father was going to school pursing an accounting degree. The engineer with a double major in math and chemistry had decided he wanted to be a CPA, after retiring from NASA. I looked at his books and thought, I can do this. So I decided to major in accounting instead of journalism.

Needless to say, my "right brained" approach didn't fit very easily into the logical, analytical accounting course load. I did well in school, and even was inducted into the Accounting Honorary Society. But my success was due to my determination and perseverance, not a natural affinity for the material.

After college, I didn't pass the CPA exam on the first try (few do), but I did pass. I remember the call to my parents to share the good news. My father was so proud. Many times during the exam phase of my life, I felt as if I were taking it for us both. He told me many times, "No matter what else happens in your life, no one can take that accomplishment away from you". You see my Dad never passed the exam. In retrospect, he was probably already battling the Alzheimer's that eventually took his life.

When The Huntsville Times first invited submissions for the community columnist in 1997 I felt the twinge - I wanted to submit articles for review. But I didn't, as my kids were very young - just starting all those extracurricular activities. Surely I didn't have time to do a good job.

Writing, at last

So not that year, and not the next, not until 12 years had passed did I actually sit down and write those two articles for submission. I wrote those like I have written things all my life. I write whatever comes out. I let it "brew" for a few days, and then I start editing. I just love the fact that you can change one tiny word and completely change the meaning or tone of a sentence. Words are so powerful.

I have had a connection with each column I have written. Some of them brought tears and some laughter. Never have I looked at a completed set of financial statements with the same pride I feel each time I have finished a column.

When I first experienced career regret, (probably my first tax season) I thought, "He talked me out of doing what I really wanted to do." As I have matured, and as a parent, I have come to realize what transpired. My father was guiding me as he felt best. He wanted to make sure I would be able to take care of myself. At that point in my life I simply had more confidence in his opinion than my ability.

So like the frustrated singer who belts it out on karaoke night, I got to take a spin at writing and have it published! Unlike most karaoke singers, I got to do this sober. Thanks for reading.

Sharon Frost has been a community columnist for The Times. She is a CPA and the controller of a local company.